Method for disruption of thermal vision using radiation diffusion

ABSTRACT

The present invention uses multiple laser diodes with different physical properties in conjunction with a holographic diffuser and lens assembly to generate and effectively disperse the radiation (infrared light) in a spectrum and pattern that is interpreted as heat by certain vision systems to effectively interfere with the electronic processing capability of the vision systems.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 USC§120 to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/904,701 entitled METHODAND SYSTEM FOR THE DISRPUTION OF THERMAL VISION DEVICES filed Nov. 23,2004, which claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/522,406, filed Sep. 26, 2004, both of which areincorporated in their entirety for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

A thermal vision system (not shown) generally consists of a camera thatsenses heat from the environment and processes the signalselectronically. The electronic signals are then transformed into avirtual image that is projected onto a display for viewing. Thesesystems are designed to detect differential temperature to generateimage resolution and therefore are limited in their ability toinstantaneously process and respond to large increases or decreases inambient light whether or not it is in the visible spectrum.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,700,078, 5,771,326, 5,791,757, 5,796,904, 5,857,770,5,890,796, 5,971,578, 6,036,340, 6,422,713, and 6,429,429, which are allcurrently owned by Ford Global Technologies of Dearborn, Mich., teachlaser illumination systems which are generally for automotive use. Thesepatents are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates generally to methods and systems forjamming thermal and other types of vision systems using laser diodetechnology in conjunction with a diffuser and lens assembly. The presentinvention generates and effectively disperses the light in a spectrumthat is interpreted as heat by thermal vision systems, which causes moreextensive electronic processing and an instantaneous jamming response.

In a first aspect of the invention, a method for interference with theelectronic processing capability of vision systems is provided thatincludes generating radiation from at least one diode, collecting theradiation from the diode in at least one lens, directing the radiationto a diffusion system that is adapted to perform a non-linear operationon said radiation, diffusing the radiation into viewing target areas tocreate at least one radiation field that covers the viewing target forthe vision system, thereby interfering with the electronic capability ofvision systems.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method for interference with theelectronic processing capabilities of a vision system is provided thatincludes generating radiation from the first multiple laser diode,collecting the radiation from a first multiple laser diode in a lens,directing the radiation to a diffusion system that is adapted to performa non-linear operation on radiation, performing a non-linear operationon the radiation to create a diffused radiation field that covers aviewing target for the vision system, diffusing the radiation into atleast on viewing target area to create a radiation field that covers theviewing target for the vision system and generating radiation from asecond multiple laser diode, wherein the first and second multiple laserdiodes generate radiation with different properties.

In a third aspect of the invention, a method for interference with theelectronic processing capabilities of a vision system is provided thatincludes generating radiation from at least one laser diode, collectingthe radiation from the at least one laser diode, directing the radiationto a diffusion system that is capable of performing a non-linearoperation on the radiation and diffusing the radiation into at least oneviewing target area to create at least one radiation field that covers aviewing target for the vision system, wherein the diffusion systemcomprises at least one layer of holographic diffusion film.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for interfering with theelectronic processing capabilities of a vision system is provided thatincludes creating a first infrared light pulse of a first time period,diffusing the first infrared pulse through a first Fourier transform ata target to block viewing of the target with the thermal vision system,creating a second infrared light pulse of a second time period, thesecond time period being a time period that is longer than the firsttime period, diffusing the second infrared light pulse through a Fouriertransform at the target to block viewing of the target with the thermalvision system, generating a third infrared pulse of a third time period,the third time period being a time period that is longer than the firsttime period and longer than the second time period, and diffusing thethird infrared pulse through a Fourier transform to interfere with theelectronic processing capabilities of a vision system.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, a vision jamming system is providedthat includes a diffusion system, at least one laser diode inoperational communication with the diffusion system, the at least onelaser diode being adapted to generate radiation in a spectrum between700 and 1000 nanometers and at least one lens adapted to collect thegenerated radiation and direct it to the diffusion system, which is inoperable communication therewith.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, a vision jamming system is providedthat includes a polycarbonate holographic diffusion system, at least onepulsed laser diode in operational communication with the diffusionsystem, the at least one laser diode being adapted to generate radiationin a spectrum between 700 and 1000 nanometers and at least one lensadapted to collect the generated radiation and direct it to thediffusion system, which is in operable communication therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a sample laser-diode interference device in a firstembodiment from a top cutaway view;

FIG. 1B is another view of the first embodiment from a front/side view;

FIG. 2A illustrates the functional operation of a first embodiment ofthe thermal vision interference system;

FIG. 2B illustrates the functional operation from a front view;

FIG. 3A shows the use of the invention to create thermal visioninterference;

FIG. 3B illustrates a sample interference (infrared light as particlesor rays for illustrative purposes) pattern;

FIG. 4A illustrates using a variable pulse;

FIG. 4B illustrates using a variable gap or frequency (independent ofpulse length);

FIG. 4C illustrates using a combination of FIGS. 4A and 4B;

FIG. 5A shows a multiple degree embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates the multiple degree embodiment from another view;

FIG. 5C illustrates a sample interior configuration a multiple degreeembodiment;

FIG. 6 shows multiple holographic diffusion embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows multiple uses of laser frequencies through tunable lasersor multiple diodes.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows a first embodiment of the vision jamming system 100 of theinvention. The system 100 comprises at least one laser diode, aholographic diffuser and a lens assembly, which are all in operablecommunication with each other. As used herein, “operable communication”means a proximity sufficient to allow the components of the invention toeffectively operate within system 100. The components of system 100 neednot be in direct physical contact with each other to interfere with theelectronic processing of vision systems. During use, the system 100effectively generates and disperses light in a spectrum that isinterpreted as heat by thermal vision systems by pulsing a laser diodeLD through a holographic diffuser HDF and specialized lens CL togenerate an intermittent curtain of high-intensity non-visible light.The light that effectively overloads the electronic processingcapability of various vision systems, including but not limited tothermal visions systems.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the present jamming system 100 generates light in aspectrum that is between 700 nm and 1000 nm (infrared). Light withinthis spectrum is interpreted as heat by thermal vision systems, whichcauses more extensive electronic processing and a fast jamming response.The system 100 can electronically control the pulse characteristics inan encoded and encrypted manner to prevent next-generation thermalvision systems TVS from countering the technology unless operated withcontrolled decryption technology. As used herein, the terms “light” and“radiation” are used interchangeable. FIG. 1B shows the first embodimentfrom a front view.

Generally system 100 effectively interferes with the electronicprocessing capability of vision systems by generating radiation from atleast one diode, collecting the radiation from the diode in at least onelens, directing the radiation to a diffusion system that is adapted toperform a non-linear operation the radiation and diffusing the radiationinto target viewing areas to create at least one radiation filed thatcovers the viewing target for the vision systems.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the functional relationship of the componentsof system 100 in one specific embodiment. The laser diode LD generatesradiation, generally between 700 nanometers (“nm”) and 1000 nm, eitherin a convergent or divergent pattern. The “light” enters a lens CL,which collects the incident light and propagates it directly, or via anoptional mirror, to a diffusion system, which in one embodiment is apolycarbonate holographic diffusion film HDF. The polycarbonateholographic diffusion film is commercially available from PhysicalOptics Corporation of California. The HDF is generally molded into thefront piece (not shown) of the interference system 100, but need not be.The light energy or radiation is then diffused into the target areasbased on the holographic pattern to create interference with the visionsystem (not shown). In specific embodiments of the invention, a pulsecontrol PS is integrated directly into the laser diode LD, oralternately is contained on an ASIC or integrated with a power sourcePS. FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of FIG. 2A.

In another specific embodiment of the invention, the vision jammingsystem 100 comprises a polycarbonate holographic diffusion system, atleast one pulsed laser diode in operable communication with thediffusion system, the laser diode being adapted to generate radiation ina spectrum between 700 and 1000 nm, and at least one lens that isadapted to collect the generated radiation and direct it to thediffusion system, which is in operable communication therewith.

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of the invention where theholographic diffusion film HDF acts as a Fourier transform F on theemitted radiation to create the interfering radiation field E. As can beappreciated by those of skill in the art, there may be different typesof Fourier transforms that would be appropriate for use in the system100 of the invention, depending on the intended end use. For example, auser may wish to create thermal vision system (“TVS”) interference in anarrow swath instead of wide dispersement. Using multiple types Fouriertransforms is discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the present thermal vision jamming system 100generates light in a spectrum that is between 700 nm and 1000 nm(infrared). Light within this spectrum is interpreted as heat by thermalvision systems, which causes more extensive electronic processing and afast jamming response. The system 100 can electronically control thepulse characteristics in an encoded and encrypted manner to preventnext-generation thermal vision systems TVS from countering thetechnology unless operated with controlled decryption technology.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate one embodiment of the invention wherein atime-based encryption algorithm is utilized in the system 100 to preventnext-generation TVS from unauthorized decryption through use ofheuristic technology. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a firstinfrared light pulse of a first time period is created; the firstinfrared pulse is then diffused through a first Fourier transform at atarget to block viewing of the target with the thermal vision system. Asecond infrared light pulse of a second time period is then generated.The second infrared light pulse is then diffused through a Fouriertransform at the target to block viewing of the target with the thermalvision system. A third infrared pulse of a third time period is thengenerated. The third infrared pulse of the third time period is thendiffused through a Fourier transform at the target. It should beunderstood that the first time period is shorter in length than thesecond time period. The second time period is shorter in length than thethird time period. And, the third time period is longer in length thanthe first and second time periods. The first, second and third timeperiods are all different.

FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of the invention, wherein the laserpulse is controlled so that each pulse or series of pulses is variable.FIG. 4B shows the process of controlling the time in between the laserpulses or the pulse rate so that a thermal vision system cannotanticipate or filter the interference. FIG. 4C shows the process ofusing a combination of the pulse rate and pulse length to prevent“encrypting” of the interference patterns.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate alternate embodiments of the system 100′ in whichthermal vision is disrupted in multiple degrees (or all six degrees ifdesired). FIGS. 5A and 5B show an alternate embodiment with 360 degreesof interference capability in the xy plane with 4 sides of holographicdiffusion file HDF, which may include the top as well (covering 120-180degrees in the positive z direction) depending on the positioning. FIG.5C illustrates how multiple laser diodes (LD1, LD2, LD3) and collectionlenses (CL1, CL2, CL3) may be positioned. The variations on placement ofinternal components for the alternate embodiment will depend on themanufacturing and assembly requirements as well as the intended end use(e. g. portable, stationary, vehicle mounted, etc.).

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, system 100 comprisesat least one liquid crystal display (“LCD”) chip, or chips with multiplefunctional capabilities for generating high-performance, electronicallycontrollable holographic diffusion. This feature involves dynamicallychanging the light direction and diffusion characteristics to preventnext generation thermal vision systems from countering this technologybased on location and thermal pattern recognition techniques, which isshown in FIG. 6.

In further alternative embodiments, system 100 comprises laser diodes ofdifferent types to prevent the thermal vision systems from counteringthe technology. The laser diodes are alternately implemented to preventeffectively filtering a single type of radiation (infrared)interference, as shown in FIG. 7.

In view of the above, it will be seen that all the objects and featuresof the present invention are achieved, and other advantageous resultsobtained. The description of the invention contained herein isillustrated only, and is not intended in a limiting sense.

1. A method for interference with the electronic processing capabilityof vision systems comprising: generating pulsed radiation from at leastone diode, said radiation being from 700 nm to 1000 nm; collecting saidradiation from said at least one diode in at least one lens; directingsaid radiation to a diffusion system, said diffusion system beingadapted to perform a non-linear operation on said radiation, whereinsaid diode emits pulsed radiation in a divergent pattern; diffusing saidradiation into viewing target areas to create at least one radiationfield that covers the viewing target for said vision system, therebyinterfering with the electronic capability of vision systems.
 2. Themethod as recited in claim 1, wherein said diode emits pulsed radiationat a controlled time.
 3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein saiddiode emits pulsed radiation at a controlled pulse rate.
 4. The methodas recited in claim 1, wherein said diode emits pulsed radiation at acontrolled time and a controlled pulse rate.
 5. The method as recited inclaim 1, wherein said diode emits pulsed radiation in an encoded andencrypted manner.
 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein saiddiffusion system is a holographic diffusion film.
 7. The method asrecited in claim 1, wherein diffusing the radiation comprises diffusingthe radiation comprises using at least one liquid crystal display chipsto generate holographic diffusion.
 8. The method as recited in claim 7,wherein diffusing the radiation comprises diffusing the radiationcomprises using at least one liquid crystal display chip with multiplefunctional capabilities for generating holographic diffusion.
 9. Themethod as recited in claim 1, wherein said diffusion system includesmultiple Fourier transforms.
 10. The method as recited in claim 9,wherein said multiple Fourier transforms are created by diffusion filmswith different Fourier transform properties.
 11. A method forinterference with the electronic processing capability of vision systemscomprising: generating a first pulsed radiation from a first diode at afirst time, said radiation being from 700 nm to 1000 nm; collecting saidradiation from said first diode in at least one lens; directing saidradiation to a diffusion system, said diffusion system being adapted toperform a non-linear operation on said radiation, wherein said diodeemits pulsed radiation in a divergent pattern; diffusing said radiationinto viewing target areas to create at least one radiation field thatcovers the viewing target for said vision system, generating a secondpulsed radiation from a second diode at a second time, said radiationfrom said second diode being from 700 nm to 1000 nm, and a differentwavelength from the radiation from said first diode; wherein said secondpulse is in between said first pulse; collecting said radiation fromsaid second diode in at least one lens; directing said radiation fromsaid second diode to said diffusion system; diffusing said radiationfrom a second diode into viewing target areas; thereby interfering withthe electronic capability of vision systems.
 12. The method as recitedin claim 11, wherein said first diode emits pulsed radiation in anencoded and encrypted manner.
 13. The method as recited in claim 11,wherein said diffusion system is a holographic diffusion film.
 14. Themethod as recited in claim 11, wherein said radiation from said firstand second diodes is diffused during an overlapping period.
 15. Themethod as recited in claim 11, wherein said radiation from said firstand second period is not diffused at the same time.
 16. The method asrecited in claim 11, wherein said radiation from first diode is emittedin a divergent pattern.
 17. The method as recited in claim 11, whereindiffusing the radiation comprises diffusing the radiation comprisesusing at least one liquid crystal display chips to generate holographicdiffusion.
 18. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein diffusing theradiation comprises diffusing the radiation comprises using at least oneliquid crystal display chip with multiple functional capabilities forgenerating holographic diffusion.
 19. A method for interfering with theelectronic processing capability of a thermal or night vision system,comprising: generating radiation from a first multiple laser diode;collecting said radiation from a first multiple laser diode in a lens;directing said radiation to a diffusion system, said diffusion systemadapted to perform a non-linear operation on said radiation; performinga non-linear operation on said directed radiation to create a diffusedradiation field that covers a viewing target for said vision system;diffusing the radiation from said first multiple laser diode into atleast on viewing target area to create a first radiation field thatcovers the viewing target for said vision system; and generatingradiation from a second multiple laser diode, wherein said first andsecond multiple laser diodes generate radiation with differentproperties; diffusing the radiation from said second multiple laserdiode into said first radiation field create a second radiation fieldthat masks at least on property of said first radiation field.